This is a bit ironic, isn’t it? Here I am, a full-time-plus
pastor writing about staying refreshed. All of us in ministry —
paid, unpaid, volunteer, or staff — get “souled out,” revved up,
and passionate about everything there is to do in our churches.
Working hard and going far beyond the extra mile is a lifestyle.
You invest yourself wholeheartedly in what you believe.

This is all great — our churches need passionate, enthusiastic,
energy-filled people diligently working to reach children for God.
And so, for the kingdom’s sake, it’s just as vital that those
serving take good care of who they are. Ministry is demanding. It
requires hard work — sometimes much more.

God needs us to be refreshed, restored, refueled, and ready to
minister to children for him. So I ask you: How are you today? Are
you taking good care of yourself?

If you aren’t, it’s time to start. Don’t be a martyr. You can’t
serve yourself, your family, the church, or children by working
yourself into the ground. Make a point this summer to slow down,
refresh, and renew. Here are 25 ways to refill your cup today.

Wild at Heart — A guide to helping men rediscover what it
means to be free, alive, and passionate; Thomas Nelson

Jesus Moved

Jesus is the perfect model of what it means to stay refreshed,
renewed, and moving in ministry.

Jesus spent time with the 5,000, before the masses, who were
looking to him, listening to his every word, and tugging at him. It
was a long day. When the disciples alerted Jesus that it was time
to eat, Jesus delegated the task to his disciples and also used the
resources of a boy with a basket of fish and bread. Through a
miracle, Jesus fed the 5,000.

But Jesus didn’t spend all his time with the masses. Jesus
moved.

He moved to spend time with his disciples, always fully aware of
the value of his team. He’d spend time with them, equipping them,
asking higher-order questions, and serving with them. But Jesus
didn’t spend all his time with his team. Jesus moved.

Jesus moved to be with close friends — brunch with Mary and
Martha. Time to be, to talk, time to enjoy a meal, and time to
discuss life. Jesus was in relationship with people. He knew that
friends are those we do life with. He understood that healthy
friendships are sources for refreshment. But Jesus didn’t spend all
his time with friends. Jesus moved.

Jesus moved to be alone. He went to be with God — in prayer, to
listen. Jesus experienced solitude, serenity, and simplicity. After
they’d been preaching, teaching, and healing, Jesus told his
disciples to go to a silent place. Go and be, rest, restore,
refresh. And Jesus calls out to you, his precious disciple, Rest
now, be silent, listen, clear your mind. And I will whisper to you.
I love you.

Jesus, in his years of ministry, demonstrated balance. He didn’t
heal everyone who was ill, nor feed all who were hungry, nor
perform millions of miracles. He moved as he was called to do.

Why do you exist? Why are you here on this earth? Why were you
created? You exist for no other reason than to be in relationship
with God and to be in relationship with his people. Take good care
of yourself, humble Christlike servant. You are a treasure.

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the
vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my
Savior.

“The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the
feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights” — Habakkuk
3:17-19.

Sue Lennartson is the pastor of women’s ministries at Eagle
Brook Church in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. Please keep in mind
that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to
change.

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